what do you REALLY need?

[jennifer]

Hi everyone!
I am currently drawing a list of what I really need so people can buy it for my birthday!
I already have a backpack, it's mostly what to put in it that is the thing!
What is absolutely essential, besides clothes?
thanks!
jen
xoxo

[Kim]

Here's what I can think of:

• Good, comfortable shoes you can walk in
  
• Money belt
  
• Toiletry bag (get one with a hook you can hang on the door)
  
• Camera and film
  
• Journal
  
• Utensil kit (where the fork, knife and spoon fit into one)
  
• Good sunglasses
  

[LHR02]

money belt (a good one), small compass, guidebook to cover at least the start of your trip (you can easily buy them as you go along and not have to drag them all with you), camera/film, great walking shoes, journal book, basic but small first aid kit and a small 'repairs' kit for your gear, your clothes.

This is my must have list

ging

[jennifer]

Hi!
Thanks girls!
What about compressor bags? Are they worth it? They are only 12,50 canadian, I find it not too bad for 2 big bags....but does it do the job?
clothe line and laundry accessories?
combination locks for zippers?
Shower shoes?
is duct tape really that "unfindable" in europe?
etc..
You hear about so many things to bring and you don't know if it is needed anymore!
Thanks
xoxo
Jen

[CuriousToronto]

In re: to a money belt.

Anyone have any recommendations? What should I look for? I don't want to get sweaty so if there's one that breathes more...............

Are the MEC ones good? Or should I just buy the Eagle Creek one?

Thanks guys! ;D

[jennifer]

I saw a real good one in Montréal, it's "Travel Companion" the company. It breathes real well and greatly washable. It has an elastic waist band so it doesn't pop out of your pants everytime you bend down!
xoxo
jen

[LHR02]

The one thing that was a problem with the Eagle Creek that I have is it's 'depth'.....barely can squeeze a passport in it without scrunching it up. Everything else fit just fine, but it is exactly the same as the passport so it was a mighty tight fit.

If you find others that are just a bit bigger I'd look hard at that. My poor passport was a soggy wrinkled mess some days....and I normally go in the winter! Can't imagine what it would be if it was really hot.

[Kim]

I've heard the silk ones are good cause they are a natural fiber. Haven't used one though, so it's hard to say.

As far as these:

What about compressor bags?

I don't think you need them. If you need to compress it, you are packing too much.

clothes line and laundry accessories?

Laundry bag for your dirty clothes that you can wash is really good (like a cloth one) and a clothesline is smart (it's small enough that it won't weigh anything). A small scrub brush is good for scrubbing your clothes.

combination locks for zippers?

A must.

Shower shoes?

Personal dicision. I personally don't want my feet touching yucky showers, I'm squeamish like that!

is duct tape really that "unfindable" in europe?

I'm sure you could find it or something similar. Don't bother.

Kim

[LHR02]

Here is the little repair kit I got prior to my 'long' trip....I love this thing. It has everything you might need to make emergency repairs, is about half the height of a coke can and easily packable.

www.menda.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=580

(Kim, if this link doesn't work, can you please fix it for me...again? ;D )

I did take laundry soap and line...used the soap and of course had to buy more along the way, used the line just one time.

Since I am not a hostel gal, I did not take shower shoes. If I were a hostel gal, no way would I not take them.

Agree with Kim....if you need compressor bags, re-think your packing. You are taking too much. That said, I did have a medium packing cube from eagle creek that I kept all my undies, socks, silk long johns in and loved that. Kept all the 'little' stuff organized in my pack and easily found.

ging

Who remembered...if you are taking any prescription medications with you, be sure and get a copy of the original prescription written by the doc. Customs can sometimes get a bit testy over drugs of any kind.

[Kim]

Menda sent me one of those kits after I mentioned that you said they were great, Ging. It rocks.. I think it's so cool! My mom keeps trying to steal it when she comes over!

Kim

[LHR02]

It is cool indeed! And it has a little of just about anything you might need in a pinch. I take it with me everywhere, even if just for a weekend quickie trip. While not exactly 'cheap' it is reasonably priced and such a lifesaver should the need for it arise.

They sent you one?! Now that is indeed cool! BTW.....would make a great prize if they are inclined to donate one. ;D

[Kim]

They usually send me a couple of different things (Menda as a company seriously rocks, I love them) but they only sent me one of these.. and there is no way I'm parting with it! ;D

The sad thing is that they mentioned it might be discontinued shortly as it's hard finding somewhere to make those capsules for a reasonable amount.

Kim

[LHR02]

>>>>>The sad thing is that they mentioned it might be discontinued shortly as it's hard finding somewhere to make those capsules for a reasonable amount.<<<<<


Then I HIGHLY suggest you all go order one ASAP! This is a great little item to throw in your pack, no matter how short or long your trip.

[MNS]

dustoffmom said:

>>>>> This is a great little item to throw in your pack, no matter how short or long your trip.

I noticed it has scissors. Is it allowed in your carry-on bag?

If this kit is discontinued, you can try making your own using an Altoid or similar container.

Two items I find valuable are a travel pillow (or rolled up towel) and an LED headlamp. I used to carry a Minimag light but the headlamp is handier.

[Kim]

I would say no to the carry on, anything remotely like that I wouldn't bother.

Reminds me of the time when the boyfriend forgot that he had his leatherman (like a Swiss Army knife) in his carry on and we spent a good while in the interegation office! And this was before Sept.11. Ended up with him having to check his leatherman in an envelope on as a piece of luggage. ;D

Kim